Preparing to do business

A written business plan is the essential first step to start your business.

Create your business plan and outline:

• What is the product and services you plan to offer?
• An explanation of the intended customer, and how you will attract them?
• What is required to set up your business?

Visit the Business Victoria website for more information about how to write a business plan.

Planning considers the way land is used and developed, and how this impacts the character and amenity of an area.

Planning requirements may inform the following:

• Can your business operate on the proposed location?
• Onsite signage possibilities
• The impact of your business to the existing neighbourhood and services

To understand your planning requirements we will be able to better support you if you can provide:

• You will need your business plan or vision
• If you already have a property in mind, please provide us with the address
• A basic plan showing how your business will operate. 

If you are still looking for a property, please let us know your requirements and our team are happy support you.

Visit Preparing for where you will do business for further information about Planning requirements or contact the Economic Development team.

The City of Ballarat’s Economic Development Team is dedicated to supporting businesses, small, large, or just starting. By providing us with the information about your business at the start, we can direct you to the right people in the City of Ballarat to progress your vision.  

The team is available to assist you to:

• Conduct initial research to identify commercial or industrial sites
• Guide you through council's regulatory processes
• Connect you with regional markets, key influencers, and business associations
• Connect you with other council services  

Phone:  5320 5500
Email: economicdevelopment@ballarat.vic.gov.au 
Online application form: Small Business Application

The team will then be in contact with you to discuss your business over the phone or to arrange an in person meeting.

Subscribe to our Economic Development e-newsletter to receive information about:

• City of Ballarat business development and networking events

• Other opportunities for businesses supported by City of Ballarat